This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Three framed monoprints by Wendy Bolger. Artist's statement: These works evolved from an exploration in mark making, in particular, the simple gestural mark. The involvement in the process of making spontaneous market, raises awareness to the presence of the opposite element - discipline, which is essential for a successful artwork. In Zen Philosophy the idea of discipline in spontaneity, and spontaneity in discipline is reflected in this process. The interplay of opposing forces is a significant dynamic, visually surfaced as random marks and geometric shapes, in these works, The pull towards balance always being present. art, artwork, wendy bolger, printmaking, monoprints, human movement collection

This hat was worn by D. P. Bright, whilst serving in the Royal Australian Navy, presumably on the H.M.A.S. Leeuwin.Sailor's hat with removable ribbon which sits on exterior band with machine embroidered inscriptions, tied in a bow at the back. Hat is piqued, stiffened white cotton with two white eyelets on both left and right side. Dark navy band on exterior with brown leather lining on the interior, with cotton bow on interior back. On interior of hat, the hat contains a plastic lining on which there is an inscription. On either side of the inscription is a strip of beige coloured cotton lining in the shape of a semi circle (see photos).On ribbon, "H.M.A.S. LEEUWIN" On interior, "BRIGHT. D.P. HONDEN"; crossed out is the inscription "D.P. BRIGHT" Manufacturer's label reads "HILLS HATS PTY.LTD./SYDNEY N.S.W. 1972/R.A.N. 20476 6 5/8 /No./NAME/MADE IN AUSTRALIA"royal australian navy, navy, sailor, leeuwin, melville, cape leeuwin

A slim brown badly damaged paperback book with the title, Dainty Dishes for Children, Invalids and Convalescents printed in black lettering inside a black lined patterned square shape which has full details of the author and her qualifications as well as other titles available in the series. Price 1/-, 1/1 posted is listed too. There are many advertisements supporting the use of ingredients throughout the book as well as on both sides of the covers. There is a Preface and Index to Recipes. Pp. 46.non-fictionA useful third edition text book for Mothers and Nurses originally compiled by Miss Lucy Drake (Trained Cookery Teacher of the Education Department, Melbourne, Victoria) in the 1920's. Lucy trained as a Cookery teacher in London, England. This edition was revised and enlarged by Dorothy M Giles (Diploma of Domestic Economy, Trained Teacher of Domestic Arts, Melbourne, Victoria) and was used as a text book for Nurses' Cookery Certificate required by The Royal Victorian Trained Nurses' Association in Victoria. Both sometimes Head of Cookery Section of Swinburne Technical College, Glenferrie, Victoria.cooking, recipes, textbooks, mothers

A faded and stained tall narrow pale green 1933 Handiform Housekeepers Diary & Cash recorder for home records. The cover has the title printed in black and orange lettering inside a large black shape with publisher details below. There is a Contents page, listing the various useful items to refer to, such as - weekly diary and cash records which may be filled in by the user, yearly calendars for 1933 and 1934, postal information practical medical advice, handy hints, pages for notes and kitchen reminders for shopping. non-fictionA useful Housekeepers diary which as it says on the front cover - 'Safer than a Good Memory - A Diary'. Women would have used this to keep records of expenditure on a daily basis. The are three columns: Receipts, Date and Expenditure. It was given with Compliments from F.E. Watts Blackburn Dairy 20 Albert Street, Blackburn Phone WX 2504.diaries, documents, administrative records, household item, financial records

Presented to Australian school children on the opening of the First Federal Parliament in May 1901. The opening of Parliament was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwell and York. The Australian states became a Federation during the reign of Queen Victoria, however by the time Parliament opened, Edward VII had ascended the throne.Gilt bronze medal, in shape of shield, with crown at top. Obverse of medal has portraits of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, and wording "Aust. Commonwealth Est 1 Jan 1901 / 63D. of Victoria, R. I. / First Parliament Opened May 1901-1st of Edward V11". Reverse of medal has portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, and wording "Opening of the First Federal Parliament / TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cornwell and York / Melbourne, May 1901".medals, australian federation 1901, parliament of australia

The wooden patterns are part of a set that are stored in a strong wooden crate. It was used at Briggs’ Brass Foundry for making sand casts. It may fit together with one of the other patterns with a similar outline. The traditional craft of sand casting is over 2000 years old. The handcrafted process produces brass and copper alloy goods that are well suited to marine use; bells, boat hooks, cowls, propellers, handles, lids, rowlocks, hooks, letters, bolts, rail holders, brackets, deck plates, flanges, rudder guides, portholes and covers. Briggs’ Bronze mixture is a copper-based alloy made from local ingots of copper, tin, zinc and lead in carefully measured quantities. The finished product is non-ferrous and can last indefinitely. The crate of patterns was donated by the Briggs family in the early years of Flagstaff Hill, along with other related items such as brassware, tools and machinery. The donated items were displayed in a simulated Brass Foundry in the Village along with other working crafts, trades and services found in a Maritime town. The items were on show from the completion of the building in 1986 until 1994 when the building was repurposed. The patterns represent the trades of foundering and metalwork, both supporting maritime industries such as shipwrights and boatbuilders. Farmers, manufacturers and other local industries also needed the castings made by foundries. The Brass Foundry included a historic Cornish chimney set up as a working model, to tell the story of smelted metal heated in furnaces then be poured into the sand moulds. This chimney was made from specially curved bricks and is now about two-thirds of its full height when originally located at the Grassmere Cheese factory. The craft of sand-casting from carved wooden patterns to create metal is an example of skills from the past that are still used today. The foundry pattern set is significant for its association with brass foundries locally and generally in coastal areas of Victoria. Marine industries such as ship and boat building rely on good quality castings for their machinery, equipment and fittings. Briggs Brass was especially formulated using non-ferrous metals to ensure their longevity. The patterns are associated with the long-running firm Briggs Brass Foundry that specialised in cast goods for the marine industry, ready to supply the needs for once-off or mass-produced items. Their products would have been fitted to sail and steam vessels along coastal Victoria including Warrnambool. Briggs Marine was also a bell-founder specialist and is also associated with the Schomberg Bell at Flagstaff Hill, having restored it to is former state as a fine example of the bell from a luxury migrant vessel from the mid-19th century. Pattern; a pair of blocks that form a rectangle with a carved centre hole and disc shape inside. The block is made from laminated pieces of wood with cut corners. Both sides have four drilled holes in a square configuration but in different positions. The cut faces and the space carved into them are painted red; one piece has two dowel pins that fit into two drilled holes on the other. The pattern is part of a set of foundry patterns from Briggs Brass Foundry.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, briggs' bronze, traditional method, trade, sand cast, cast, brass alloy, copper alloy, pattern, mould, foundry, brass foundry, metal foundry, casting, sand mould, sand casting, marine equipment, marine tools, marine fittings, copper tin zinc lead, non-ferrous, non-corrosive, brassware, metalware, foundering, metalwork, maritime, bell founders, ship chandlers, marine products, biggs, briggs family, herbert harrison briggs, h h briggs, george edward briggs, cyril falkiner mckinnon briggs, cyril briggs, briggs & son brass foundry, h h briggs & sons foundry, briggs marine, alliance casting & engineering solutions, grassmere cheese factory, cornish chimney, curved bricks, collingwood, moorabbin, collingwood foundry, moorabbin foundry, 1912

BHS CollectionPhoto of a Group of People: Black and white photo of five ladies standing at the back with one man sitting down who is in a white coat. The photograph is taken in front of the factory wall. On the back written in blue ink is *Elaine Brag, Nance Pettigrove, Tom Lund, Nance Bolitho. Dorothy Cameron, Esme Brereton.* *Estelle Dole, 1 Farrell St Bendigo*. Hand written in pencil is the number 406. A diamond shape with the ward all in black ink is *Selo* Box 116Aphotograph, person, hanro, estelle dole. bendigo hanro

This Book is most interesting - Melbourne's Beginnings. The Inscription in front of this book M.G. Phillips (nee Taylor), taught school at Concongella during World War II.Soft Card cover of a green and cream colour Three Separate Panels on front cover. Top panel contains a drawing of a ship moored at shore with trees in background. Send Panel Is a Shield with curled side inside is The Title and Authors Name in Brown print. The Lower Panel is the largest contains a drawing of a river with a bridge crossing it, also a church and domed building with a clock tower in the distance. Back Cover contains a drawing of a series of books, in the shape of question mark with a Kookaburra sitting at the top.Inside front cover hand written M.G. Phillipsstawell education

Refer Cat. No. 6939.6Service Dress Shirt with neck scarf. Fabric - cotton polyester colour, patterned with alternating bands of dark and light green vertical stripes of varying width. 1. & 3. Shirt - with wide collar, six white colour plastic buttons on front placket, long sleeves with two white colour plastic button cuff. No pockets. Manufacturer's label - inside back of collar. White cotton fabric. 2. & 4. Scarf - long rectangular shape with each end cut on the Diagonal.Manufacturers label - black ink print. 1. “SANDRA LEIGH/ QUEENSLAND/ 1981^/ 8410-66-097-4954/ SIZE 14 TLL/ NAME/ SERVICE NO". Followed by "WASHING INSTRUCTIONS" 2. "WILLS INDUSTRIES/ WESTERN AUSTRALIA/ 1983/ ^/ 8410-66-097-4954/ SIZE 16 AVE/ NAME/ SERVICE NO". Followed by washing instructions.uniform, women's service dress, army, browne, passchendaele barracks trust

It is not known how these goggles belonging to the late Evan Johns were acquired. Evan did not enlisted in the Defence Forces but did have an interest in aviation.The frame of these goggles is in excellent condition with virtually no paint loss and only minor marking. The pressed brass frame incorporating hinged lens holders is finished in black paint.The nosepiece leather and backing chamois are both good . The original rubber facepads are in excellent shape and remain pliable; The clear lenses do have delamination marks . The strap components are excellent throughout with clear Air Ministry markings. There is the anti-glare screen, commonly known as the flip shield with the short enclosed type spring mechanism. AM REF NO 22C/167 Goggles MarkIVBraaf goggles, ww2

Refers to the service of William David Patterson No. 3795952. N.S. Vietnam War. 1 A.R.U. 2-4-70 - 20-5-70. 8 R.A.R. 21-5-70 - 12- 11-70. 6 PL B Coy then HQ B Coy.Military Issue kit bag. Two carry handles made from cotton webbing. Long metal zip. Printed on one side are two large brown rectangles. 1. Top rectangle painted in orange paint is 3795952. Pte W. D. Patterson. 2. The bottom triangle is painted brown as well. On that is painted numbers 1473 in red paint. Under that are 3 trapezoid shapes - green, red, yellow. Under these is a red Kangaroo with apparent letters A.M.F.vietnam war, 1962-1972, army kit

Sgt Jack Grinton No 1043, 38th Batt AIF. Part of the Grinton collection which included hundreds of negatives and developed photos that he took during the War. Refer Cat No 1280 for service details. Refer 1317P, 1320P. .1) RSL membership badge, two figures in centre, crown at top with membership clip "75" denoting membership paid 1975. Brass plate, pin backing for clothing. .2) Badge, polished gold colour. Small map of Australia over oval shape with soldier in centre. Surrounding are scrolls and leaf arrangement. Engraved on rear. Attached to black silk material with 2 metal shields. .3) Black silk material ribbon with one metal shield as in .2..1) "V64223" .2) "Presented to Sgt JW Grinton from Tragowel friends for duty bravely done. Great War 1914-1918"numismatics - badges, societies-rsl, metalcraft-brass/copperware

Textiles. Cream linen fabric, with a selvedge edge on each side. Three bands of drawn thread work at each end-a centre band 2.5 cm wide, and stitched to form a decorative pattern, and two bands, 1 cm wide-one on either side of the wider band. These are edged with a spoke stitch, which draws the thread into little ''bar shapes" - 3 to each centimeter. A 4.5 cm wide band of fillet crochet and a 20 cm long fringe, edges each end.textiles, domestic, linen tablecloth or table centre

This photo, part 1 of a 2 photo sequence taken by John Witzig, is of of Bob McTavish riding a very large waves (15'+) at Bells Beach on Easter Sunday (April 18th) 1965. This wave is thought to be the same one described by McTavish in his book as one of the biggest, most powerful waves he had ridden, almost resulting in his drowning after being washed down past the next headland at winki pop. Bells, Easter, 1965 is considered one of the biggest days that this break has been surfed. The surfer in the photograph, Bob McTavish would go on to become one of the most influential surfer/shapers in Australian during the next decade.The extremely large waves experienced by surfers at Bells Beach on Easter Sunday 1965 is part of surfing folklore. The wave featured in this photograph is considered one of the largest ridden waves ever documented at Bells Beach.Large black and white (sepia toned) photo. Part 1 of a 2 photo sequence taken by John Witzig of Bob McTavish riding a very big wave at Bells Beach. Photo is titled 'Bob McTavish Big Bells 1 - 1965', and signed and numbered by John Witzig (11/100). Signed by John Witzig. Numbered 11 / 100bells beach, john witzig, bob mctavish, easter sunday 1965, bells beach surfing classic

The shrouds or fore-rigging are a part of the standing rigging on a sailing ship. They are used in pairs on each side of a ship to help hold the masts in place and to aid the sailors who climb the rigging. They are part of the basic framework for the sails. Larger vessels may have two or three pairs, and some ships may have upper and lower shrouds. The upper shrouds would be fixed to a protruding structure on the top of the masts so that they hung from the right angle. The ropework skills of the sailmaker would be used to create the shrouds, choosing fibres with properties suitable for the job at hand and creating the triangular shape carefully. Deadeyes and ropes were then used to attach the shrouds to the ship's structure.This shroud is an example of a part of the standing rigging of a sailing ship. Shrouds were used in pairs on larger sailing vessels to help hold the masts in place and give access to adjustable rigging such as sails.Fore Rigging or Shrouds, made from rope fibres. This shroud includes the upper and lower wooden deadeyes. They are part of a ship's rigging. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, shroud, fore-rigging, ropework, sailing ship rigging, standing rigging, natural fibres, sailmakers, handmade, deadeye, knot making

The shrouds or fore-rigging are a part of the standing rigging on a sailing ship. They are used in pairs on each side of a ship to help hold the masts in place and to aid the sailors who climb the rigging. They are part of the basic framework for the sails. Larger vessels may have two or three pairs, and some ships may have upper and lower shrouds. The upper shrouds would be fixed to a protruding structure on the top of the masts so that they hung from the right angle. The ropework skills of the sailmaker would be used to create the shrouds, choosing fibres with properties suitable for the job at hand and creating the triangular shape carefully. Deadeyes and ropes were then used to attach the shrouds to the ship's structure.This shroud is an example of a part of the standing rigging of a sailing ship. Shrouds were used in pairs on larger sailing vessels to help hold the masts in place and give access to adjustable rigging such as sails.Fore Rigging or Shrouds, made from rope fibres. This shroud includes the upper and lower wooden deadeyes. They are part of a ship's rigging.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, shroud, fore-rigging, ropework, knot making, sailing ship rigging, standing rigging, natural fibres, sailmakers, handmade, deadeye

A hand plane is a tool for shaping wood Hand planes are generally the combination of a cutting edge, such as a sharpened metal plate, attached to a firm body, that when moved over a wood surface, take up relatively uniform shavings, by nature of the body riding on the 'high spots' in the wood, and also by providing a relatively constant angle to the cutting edge, render the planed surface very smooth. A cutter which extends below the bottom surface, or sole, of the plane slices off shavings of wood. A large, flat sole on a plane guides the cutter to remove only the highest parts of an imperfect surface, until, after several passes, the surface is flat and smooth.The family of Mr Lamb were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and had to be self reliant and made their own clothes and tools as they established homes and farms for their families.c1880 A hand made wood planeearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools

There are two categories of cutting edge on broad axes and both are used for shaping logs by hewing. 1. Single bevel axe - one side is flat and the other side bevelled, also called a side axe. The handle may curve away from the flat side to allow an optimal stance. The flat blade but can only be worked from one direction and is right-handed or left-handed. 2. Double bevel axe - both sides are bevelled and produces a scalloped cut. The axe has a straight handle and can be swung with either side against the wood. A double-bevelled broad axe can be used for chopping or notching as well as hewing. Broad Axe - Double bevelled edge Straight wooden handlesmall lettering and government crows foot

On Saturday 29 August 1908, over 100 years ago, 16 American battleships along with 5 various escorts entered Port Phillips Bay. Thousands flocked with excitement along the coast and to Port Melbourne to see the white painted ships and their sailors disembarked. The Fleet’s Mission, ordered by President Theodore Roosevelt, was to make friendly courtesy visits to countries while obviously displaying new U.S. naval power. Invited by Alfred Deakin to the young federation, who was feeling isolated and vulnerable after the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, the visit was a first step in the shaping of the relationship between the US and Australia. And also an impetus to create the Australian Navy in 1911.A photograph of an original photograph depicting the Queenscliff fishing fleet out welcoming the incoming American fleet on Saturday 29 August 1908.Queenscliff fishing boats welcoming the American Fleetthe americcan fleet, the great white fleet, theodore roosevelt, alfred duncan, australian navy 1911

A photo of the Legacy Garden of Appreciation at the Shrine of Remembrance taken from the balcony of the Shrine in September 1998 after the installation of the statue of the Widow and Children. It is called the Garden of Appreciation 'marking the generosity of Victorians in supporting Legacy in its work of assisting widow sand children of deceased veterans'. The 'Widow and Children' statue was commission by Legacy and installed in 1998. The Garden is in a cruciform shape and is on the eastern side of the Shrine Reserve near Birdwood Avenue. It was formerly called the Garden of Memory from 1980-1986 according to Monument Australia website. One plaque explains 'the garden features the Flanders Fields poppies, the seeds which came from Villers-Bretonneux, France'. A record the Legacy garden at the Shrine after the statue was installed in 1998.Colour photo of the Legacy Garden of Appreciation at the Shrine of Remembrance.Handwritten on the reverse in blue pen 'Sept 1998'.shrine of remembrance, memorial garden

A large number of people sit at tables inside a tent/marquee. The men are dressed in three piece suits with ties and the ladies have floor length dresses and most wear hats. Two men wear darkened glasses. Vines and flowers are strung around the two tent poles in the centre,, with one vine attaching both poles and holding a Christmas bell shape between them. On the tables sit cups and small plates, with larger empty plates possibly holding sandwiches or slices, suitable for a garden party event. No people have been identified, although in an associated letter, Phyl Matthews puts forth that that one man is not her grandfather.B/W photograph of group having tea inside a tentassociation for the advancement of the blind, phyllis matthews

This broken black glass bottle has been handmade from about the 1840s to 1870s. The bottle, possibly used to store ale or soda or mineral water, was found in the coastal waters of Victoria. It is part of the John Chance Collection. Black glass is one of the oldest bottle colours and dates back to the early 17th century. In the 1840s to late 1870s black glass bottles were mainly used for liquor and ale. All glass is made from silica, which is found in quartz sand. The naturally occurring sand has impurities, such as iron, that determine the colour of the glass. Residual iron leads to green or amber coloured glass, and carbon in the sand makes that glass appear as ‘black’. A strong light behind the glass will show its colour as dark green or dark amber. This handmade bottle appears to have been made in a three piece dip mould with a cylindrical base and two removable neck pieces. The molten glass was blown into the mould to give the body a uniform symmetrical shape and size. After the bottle was blown, the glassblower removed it from the mould then the base was pushed up with a pontil tool that gave it the concave shape. The finish for the mouth was added by hand or with another tool to form the ring collar. The mould gives the body a slightly textured surface. There is usually a line around the shoulder and on the sides of the neck where the mould meet, and a lump or mark in the centre of the base, called a pontil mark, where the push-up tool was removed. Although this bottle is not linked to a particular shipwreck, it is recognised as a historically significant example of handmade, 1840s to 1870s beverage bottles imported for use in Colonial Victoria. The bottle is also significant for its association with John Chance, a diver in Victoria’s coastal waters in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Items that come from several shipwrecks have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value.Bottle, black glass. Mouth is broken off. Roughly applied ring collar. Bottle has shoulder seam and two neck seams. Heel is uneven, base is concave with tool mark. Glass has crease lines, a drip and imperfections. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, john chance, glass bottle, antique bottle, handmade, mouth blown, blown bottle, collectable, bottle, dip mould, soda bottle, ale bottle, beverage bottle, black bottle, three pece mould

This broken black glass bottle has been handmade from about the 1840s to 1870s. The bottle, possibly used to store ale or soda or mineral water, was found in the coastal waters of Victoria. It is part of the John Chance Collection. Black glass is one of the oldest bottle colours and dates back to the early 17th century. In the 1840s to late 1870s black glass bottles were mainly used for liquor and ale. All glass is made from silica, which is found in quartz sand. The naturally occurring sand has impurities, such as iron, that determine the colour of the glass. Residual iron leads to green or amber coloured glass, and carbon in the sand makes that glass appear as ‘black’. A strong light behind the glass will show its colour as dark green or dark amber. This handmade bottle appears to have been made in a three piece dip mould with a cylindrical base and two removable neck pieces. The molten glass was blown into the mould to give the body a uniform symmetrical shape and size. After the bottle was blown, the glassblower removed it from the mould then the base was pushed up with a pontil tool that gave it the concave shape. The finish for the mouth was added by hand or with another tool to form the ring collar. The mould gives the body a slightly textured surface. There is usually a line around the shoulder and on the sides of the neck where the mould meet, and a lump or mark in the centre of the base, called a pontil mark, where the push-up tool was removed. Although this bottle is not linked to a particular shipwreck, it is recognised as a historically significant example of handmade, 1840s to 1870s beverage bottles imported for use in Colonial Victoria. The bottle is also significant for its association with John Chance, a diver in Victoria’s coastal waters in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Items that come from several shipwrecks have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value.Bottle, black glass, 'gallon' style. Applied broken lip, wide collar. Shoulder seam, two side seams, body tapers inwards towards base. Concave base. Glass has bumps, creases and imperfections.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, john chance, glass bottle, antique bottle, handmade, mouth blown, blown bottle, collectable, bottle, dip mould, soda bottle, ale bottle, beverage bottle, black bottle, three pece mould

George JOHNSON (18 August 1926- ) Born Nelson, New Zealand Arrived Australia 1953 George Johnson's formalised abstractions usually feature a pattern of small related geometrical shapes which give life, luminosity and fluidity to forms which might be mechanical and lifeless. Later his forms become become much larger and more architonic. The work of George Johnson debuted at the Herald Outdoor Art Show in 1953. The George Johnson Mural was commissioned by the Ballarat Teachers' College Students' Representative Council in 1965. It was purchased with funds raised by staff and students. At the unveiling of this work at the Ballarat Teachers' College Johnson's work was described at belonging to the "Hard Edged" school of abstract painters who had set themselves far above the mass of abstract painters by the vitality and artistic ability displayed in their work. Of the work John JOhnson said "We are all part of life and are growing and developing in many different ways, the process of development is often taking place without us even being aware of it. In my painting the embryo shapes appear and grow. I have tried to make the mural symbolic of life and growth. I do not thank that anything has been left to chance in the mural. Everything is working, and, I feel, working well. It has balance and harmony - and perhaps discord, as does life - one malfunction or imbalance throws everything out." This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.A painted mural in three panels, including hession collage. art, artwork, george johnson, johnson, ballarat teachers' college art collection, mural, hard edged

This brass rail holder fixture would have been used to hold the end of a rail in place. There is no information as to where the fitting or rail would have been placed on the ship; sailing ships had many brass fittings. It was recovered from the wreck of the La Bella, which lies at the bottom of the Warrnambool Harbour. Some 15 ships are believed to have been wrecked in Lady Bay, but only two have been discovered on the sea floor; the La Bella and the Edinburgh Castle. Both wrecks are popular diving sites and are preserved as significant historical marine and marine archaeological sites. The story of the final voyage of the La Bella is summarised as follows … The ship from which the sailors were rescued was the three-masted, iron and steel barquentine the La Bella, built in Norway in 1893. She was one of two iron and steel ships by Johan Smith, the company being one of the leading shipping families in Tvedestrand, Norway. She was significant to Norwegian shipping, being one of only 27 iron and steel ships ever built in Norway. She was registered in New Zealand and engaged from 1902 in inter-colonial trading of timber in the pacific, between New Zealand and Australia and was often in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. On 5th October, 1905, the twelve year old La Bella left Lyttleton, New Zealand carrying a cargo of timber bound for Warrnambool, Australia . She was manned by a crew of twelve: the Master, (Captain Mylius, previously 1st Mate of La Bella, appointed Captain to La Bella on 6th February 1903) 2 Mates, Cook, six able seamen, one ordinary seaman and a boy. . Bad weather en route caused her to shelter at Burnie on Tasmania's North West coast. On November 10th, the 37th day of her journey, La Bella approached Warrnambool. Captain Mylius steered her towards Lady Bay Channel in heavy south-west seas and evening mist. He ordered the helmsman to steer for the light. As the ship came round, a tremendous sea struck her on the port quarter, causing her to breach broadside in a north-westerly direction into breakers. The helm was brought round twice more, but each time heavy seas broke over her, the third time throwing the La Bella on to a submerged reef in Lady Bay now known as La Bella Reef (about 100 yards from the Warrnambool breakwater). The sea was so rough that it even wrenched a one-and-a-half ton anchor from its fastenings and into the sea. As Captain Mylius headed to the steel wheelhouse, intending to send up a rocket flare, a huge sea slammed the steel door into him (resulting in massive bruising front and back) Despite his injuries he still managed to set off a blue light, which he held up in his hands. La Bella’s lifeboats were filled with sea water and broke up on their chocks. The blue light was the first indication to people on shore that there was a ship in distress. The Harbour Master, Captain Roe (who lived in the Harbour Master’s House opposite Flagstaff Hill), organised a group of volunteers to crew the lifeboat because the trained crew was unavailable; the crewmen were working on a steamer in Port Fairy at the time. He then poured oil onto the water to try and smooth the sea. At around 11pm three of the crew took shelter in the steel forecastle but the sea crashed into it and broke it up. While the rest of the crew and onlookers watched helplessly in the moonlight the bodies were washed away into the sea, never to be seen again. Some of the crew lashed themselves to the weather rail to keep from being washed away. Watson, the ordinary seaman, became tangled in the rigging lines and was too weak to move, so the 2nd Mate, Robertson, put a line onto him so that he wouldn’t wash off. Around 11pm three of the crew were unconscious from exhaustion. The situation on La Bella was becoming dangerous. The 2nd Mate moved to the ‘house’ and soon afterwards the ship slipped in the heavy sea. The lashings of the 1st Mate and the ‘boy’ Denham had kept them safe until about 2am when they were washed overboard; no one was able to help. One by one, the exhausted crew were being washed overboard, too weak to hold on any longer. During the night the La Bella had broken into two and the deckhouse ran out towards the sea. Two more men drowned when trying to reach the lifeboat. By sunrise the only survivors of the twelve were the Master, 2nd Mate and three seamen. Early in the morning Captain Roe used the rocket apparatus on shore to try and shoot a line to the ship for a safer rescue but each attempt fell short of the target. Several attempts were made by the lifeboat to rescue the stricken sailors, but the rough conditions made this difficult for the boat to get close enough to the ship and the lifeboat had to return to shore. During a final attempt to reach the ship Captain Mylius ordered his men to jump into the sea. Leonard Robertson, 2nd mate, jumped and swam towards the lifeboat, taking hold of the boat hook offered to him. Oscar Rosenholme managed to reach the boat floating on a piece of timber from the ship’s load and a third survivor, Noake, also made the boat. Along with the lifeboat rescue crew, 25 year old William Ferrier rowed his small dingy through the heavy seas and managed to rescue the Captain, whom he landed on the breakwater. Ferrier then returned to the ship to attempt a final rescue, losing his oars and rowlocks into the high sea. Using just a spare paddle he skulled towards the La Bella, reaching her stern in time to cut loose the lone surviving sailor, Payne, from the lashing that held him to the ship; the terrified sailor dropped from the ship and into the dingy. Shortly after the last man was rescued, the La Bella was lifted by a huge wave and crashed back down on the reef; she broke up and sank. The ordeal had lasted ten hours. The survivors were taken to the nearby Bay View Hotel and gratefully received warm food and clothing, medical attention and a place to sleep. In the following days an unidentified body of a young person was washed ashore; it was either Watson or Denham. The body was buried in the Warrnambool cemetery with an appropriate gravestone and inscription. William Ferrier became a national hero as news of the daring rescue spread. In recognition of his bravery in the two daring rescues he was awarded the Silver Medal for Bravery by the Royal Humane Society and was honoured in the letter from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth, telegrams and a cheque for £20 from the Governor General, over £150 subscribed by the public, including Warrnambool and district and readers of The Argus, and a gold medal from the Glenelg Dinghy Club of South Australia. Ferrier’s rescue efforts are one of the most heroic in Victoria’s shipwreck history. (William Ferrier’s son, Frank, received a similar award almost fifty years later, when he helped rescue four members of the crew on the yacht Merlan, after it ran on to a reef near the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. ) The wreck of La Bella now lies on her port side in 13 metres of sheltered water inside the reef she struck. The bow section is relatively intact and part of the stern has drifted north-easterly towards the mouth of the Hopkins River. The reef the La Bella struck now bears its name. Those five rescued from the La Bella were Captain George Mylius, Leonard Robertson (2nd Mate, 21 years old), R. Payne, Oscar Rosenholme and Jack Noake. Those seven who lost their lives were Mr Coulson (1st mate), Charles Jackman (cook) Gustave Johnson, Pierre Johann and Robert Gent (all able seamen), Harry Watson (ordinary seaman) and Jack Denham (ship’s boy), Captain Mylius was found guilty of careless navigation; he had sailed into the bay without the services of a pilot. His Master Certificate was suspended for twelve months. Later he was also charged with manslaughter of one of the crew who had died when the La Bella was wrecked, but found not guilty. The event’s adverse publicity and damage to his career took a toll on his health and he died of a heart attack six months after the wreck; he was only thirty-seven. His body was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery. The La Bella was “the best documented of all sailing ships owned in New Zealand”. Her record books, ship logs, correspondence and supporting papers are still available. At the time of the tragedy, she was owned by Messers David C.Turnbull and Co. of Timaru, New Zealand timber merchants and shipping agents, who had purchased her on 13th December 1901. A detailed account of the last journey of La Bella can be read in “Leonard Robertson, the Whangaroa & La Bella” written by Jack Churchouse, published in 1982 by Millwood Press Ltd, Wellington, NZ. Some 15 – 17 ships are believed to have sunk in Lady Bay, but only two have been discovered on the seafloor; the “La Bella” and the “Edinburgh Castle”. Both wrecks are popular diving sites and are preserved as significant historical marine and marine archaeological sites. As well as this letter, Flagstaff Hill’s La Bella Collection includes a photograph of the wrecked La Bella, a brass rail holder and a postcard of William Ferrier with four of the survivors. This original congratulatory letter sent to William Ferrier by the Prime Minister and Government of Australia demonstrates the importance attached to his efforts for Victoria and to Australia. The letter is part of the La Bella Collection and is significant at both a local and state level. Its connection to the La Bella shipwreck and the rescue of five survivors highlights the dangers of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. The letter to William Ferrier from the Australian Government acknowledges the bravery of ordinary Australians who risked their lives to save victims of shipwrecks along the coast. The letter is significant to the history of Warrnambool as it honours William Ferrier, a local fisherman whose descendants continue to live in the area. It highlights the way of life of people who lived in coastal towns in 19th century Victoria and the effects of shipwrecks upon them. The letter connects to the postcard of William Ferrier with four of the five rescued crew, the photograph of the wreck of the La Bella and the artefact from the wreck, the rail holder. This item is significant because of its association with the sailing ship “La Bella” . the “La Bella” is of local and state and national significance. It is one of the only two shipwrecks discovered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool, out of the 15-17 shipwrecks in the bay. Brass rail holder from the wreck "La Bella". This rail holder would have been used as a fitting for the end of a rail. It is made up of two parts and looks a little like a goblet in shape. The top is a hollow spherical shape with a circular hole cut out on one side, into which the end of a round rail would fit. There are two gouge marks close to each other on one side of the hole, about one centimetre apart, at 1 and 2 o’clock position. The sphere has a hollow pipe-like stem with a screw thread turned into the outside of the lower section and the bottom of the stem has been flared out after having the base fitted. The base is round and has a mound in the centre. The edge has four evenly spaced fixture holes around its edge. The metal shows signs of pitting and has mild encrustation. The fitting of the base is loose, allowing it to swivel in a complete circle. The top of the sphere is rough and has a dent in it. Underneath the base there is verdigris; some has flaked off and reveals a bright golden colour underneath. rail holder, brass rail holder, la bella, lady bay, norway, 1893, new zealand, captain mylius, william ferrier, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village

Long lily-pointed sleeves, fastened at the wrist with six X 0ne cm covered buttons and loops. A firm padded roll 19cm long, and eleven cm circumference sits at the shoulder at top of sleeve. A gathered panel on either side of the neckline forms a sweetheart neckline. Gathering under the bust, and a A shaped centre front panel - with V shape at lower edge-panel 33cm long. Two semi-circular panels 28 X 19cm from side seam to the centre front, and defining the shape of the peaked centre panel. A small inverted pleat comes from th ebottom peak of the centre panel. Skirt is circular and extends into a sweeping train.29 covered buttons with loops extend from the back neckline to the curved join at the hipline of bodice and skirt. A one cm band of fabric has been machine stitched around the hemline, and hand rolled and hand stitched to give weight and finish at the hemline. Two X 2.5cm loops, hand stitched are at the left and right sides, to slip over the fingers to hold the train above the ground.costume, female, cream wedding dress with extended train

Silk, satin, fully lined with silk (?). Eleven bones, ranging in length from 10 - 12 cm long, taper the bodice to the waistline. 15cm wide panels of beaded net come from the high back waistband, over the shoulder to the front waistband. These are loose panels with linear beading, and more decorative beading over the shoulders. Centre front panel has a net overlay, sheer above the bustline to the throat, with a 16cm high net stand-up, mandarin collar, edged in lace, and outlined at the throat with a row of tiny jet beads. Cotton perspiration pads under the arms.A beaded '' butterfly'' shape sits over the bustline where the sheer lace panel begins. Below the beaded motif, five roulet knotted and loops fasten into the finest of metal loops to close the bodice. Silk ''over -sleeves'' also have three roulet looped decorations at each edge. Below the elbow length ''over sleeves'', a double layer of net sleeves-the top layer finished with seven rows of tiny jet beads, the lower wrist length net sleeve, finished wit one row of tiny jet beads, and a two cm net fill. Beading and an embroidered ribbon flower trim the back centre net panel, and a roulet looped trim, sits at the centre back waistline. An extension of the beaded over -the-shoulder panels falls in a rectangular shape 38cm X 23cm. The front extension of the ''over the shoulder'' beaded net, falls in two oval shapes - one either side of opening 24cms long. A 4.5cm band of three pleated silk encircles the waistline.Waterfield, 14 Gleghow Terrace, South Kensington. ( Label on tape fastens around waistline).costume, female, black silk satin beaded bodice

This photograph depicts the Sister-in-charge with a group of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS,) Trained nurses, 'Nurses", with their bicycles, which were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The bicycles enabled their Nurses to visit more patients over a wider area. They are identified as: L-R back row: Trained Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis, Young. L-R front row: Isobel Curnow, Annie Roberts, Isabel Hawkes (Sister in Charge), Becker. Their uniforms were a grey cotton dress with white collar, cuffs and belt and their was a red Maltese cross on their pith helmets. They gave nursing care to the poor in the inner Melbourne and close surrounding areas (districts). On the 17th of February 1885, just 50 years after Melbourne was founded, a preliminary meeting of ladies and gentlemen who were anxious to form a society to provide "skilled nursing" for the sick poor in their own homes was held in Mrs William McCulloch’s home at Spring Street, Melbourne. At this meeting it was decided “that the association would be called the Melbourne District Nursing Society”, the first Society of its kind in Australia, and “that the special object of the Society shall be to secure skilled nursing for the sick poor in their own homes”. On the 16th of March a Committee was formed to “arrange for engaging one "duly qualified nurse”. On the 1st of May 1885 a Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed at £100 per annum, and a second Nurse, Mrs. Joanne Cannon, commenced six months later. In that era the term ‘Nurse’ was used even though they were ‘qualified’ i.e. ‘trained’ nurses. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality Trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed, as well as providing wood and coal in the winter. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. As the work increased a third Trained nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. Over the years the nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Sepia photograph of eight Melbourne District Nursing Society Trained nurses posing with their bicycles in a park; some are partly hidden. Nurse's uniforms consist of long grey dresses with white belts, cuffs and collars and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross in the centre. Oblong leather nursing bags of varying sizes are strapped to five of the bicycles. In the centre is Sister-in-charge – Mrs Hawkes (in white); to her left are 4 Nurses and to her right 3. L-R – Front row – Trained Nurses Curnow, Roberts, (Hawkes) and Becker. Back row – Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis and Young. Trees and a palm are in the background. The bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel. melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), bicycles, nurses, uniforms, mdns, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse annie roberts, sister-in-charge isabel hawkes, trained nurse taylor, trained nurse steele, trained nurse francis, trained nurse young, trained nurse becker, trained nurse isobel curnow

Matron Freeman and the MDNS Trained Nurses are wearing long grey coats and white pith helmets, which display a red Maltese cross.The Pith helmets are held on with a white veil. The two Bicycles with nursing bags attached to handlebars show the transport used by MDNS at that time.. Nurses - Back - L-R - O'Sullivan, Deans, Warren, Amess, Pat Lee and Jane with bicycle Front - L-R - Blanche Wilson, Matron Janie Freeman, Peake and Brown. In February 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and a second employed six months later. This was the first such service in Australia. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron. They loaned equipment, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing clean bed linen and nightdresses as necessary. Trained Midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints.Sepia photograph on brown card mount with 'Kirk Studio' on bottom right of the card. The photograph shows Matron Freeman and nine Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, (Nurses), with bicycles. The back row of six Nurses are standing and the Nurses either end are holding bicycles which have leather oblong nursing bags attached to the handlebars with two straps. The front row are seated. All are wearing the MDNS uniform of long dark coats and white helmets, with white scarves covering them and tied under their chins. A Maltese cross can be seen in the centre of the helmets. Both bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has 'fork shaped' thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel.Photographer's embossed stampmdns, melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse blanche wilson, nurse pat lee, nurse deans, nurse o'sullivan, nurse warren, nurse amess, nurse peak, nurse brown, matron janie freeman

This photograph shows Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained Nurses (known as 'Nurse' in those days) attending to a family in the early 1900s. It also shows their uniform which had a red Maltese cross in the centre of the pith helmet. The bicycle seen is the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The Nurse's bag is seen strapped to the handles of the bicycle. In February 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the first District Nursing Society in Australia, was founded and the decision was made to only employ fully qualified nurses who had trained in a Hospital. In those days they were known as 'Nurse'. One Trained nurse, was employed in March, and a second employed six months later. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and only attended patients seen by a Doctor. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. The Nurses provided high quality nursing care to a range of people often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. The Nurses liaised with the person's Doctor. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when needed. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Black and white photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, 'Nurse', wearing their full length grey uniforms, with white collar, cuffs and belt, and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross applied. One Nurse is standing and holding her bicycle, while the other is kneeling and holding a small child. They are in the garden behind a horizontal weatherboard house. A man dressed in dark clothes is also kneeling beside the child. There is a child, dressed in white, in the doorway of the home, and a lady, dressed in a full length black dress and a white apron, is standing in front of the wooden fence in the garden. The bicycle has two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service